He began his career as a songwriter and singer, teaming up with his girlfriend Cher (married 1963–75) to record a string of pop hits, including “I've Got You, Babe” (1965) and “The Beat Goes On” (1967). They had their own television variety show, The Sonny and Cher Show (1971–74). In 1988 he was elected mayor of Palm Springs, California, and in 1994 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He died in a skiing accident.